LIVERPOOL FC's assistant manager Phil Thompson was hiding a secret family heartache as he patrolled the Anfield touchline against Manchester United on Sunday.

For the popular club stalwart was in mourning for his mother who had passed away less than 24 hours earlier.

June Thompson, 74, died in hospital on Saturday, leaving a husband, Owen, four daughters and three sons, including Phil.

Despite the tragedy, Phil was at Anfield the day after her death to carry out his duties during Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Thousands of fans at the ground and millions watching on TV saw Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson give the former Liverpool captain a hug after the game, without realising its full significance.

Phil was also at Melwood training ground as usual yesterday.

His mother's serious illness first became known when he had to return home to visit her before Liverpool's UEFA Cup tie with Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier later dedicated the team's performance and the result - a battling 1-1 draw - to his assistant.

Last night, Liverpool FC spokesman Ian Cotton said: "This is a difficult time for Phil and everyone at the club is thinking of him.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and his family. I saw Phil today and he was at the training ground."

Phil owed his passion for the club to his mother, who was a Reds' supporter, while father Owen was an Everton fan.

In a poignant death notice about his mum, Phil said: "Mum, throughout my life you pointed me in the right direction.

"You were there to help and encourage me more, so as I got older, when I thought I knew it all, your wise words 'To be kind to those on the way up because you meet the same people on the way down,' have always played a significant part of my life."

As well as being a mother of seven, Mrs Thompson was a grandmother of 10 and a great-grandmother of two, Liam and Luke.

The funeral service is being held at St Joseph the Worker RC Church on Friday at 3pm, followed by cremation at Anfield Crematorium. Phil has been assistant manager at his beloved Liverpool since 1998, when Gerard Houllier became sole manager.

During Houllier's heart scare, which put him out of action for much of the 2001/2 season, Phil took over the manager's job.

In a distinguished career, he made more than 300 league appearances for the Reds, and almost 130 Cup appearances and lifted the European Cup in 1981.